India is currently hosting a two-day retreat for foreign ministers from BIMSTEC member countries in its capital city. BIMSTEC, which stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, includes seven countries from South and Southeast Asia. This gathering aims to strengthen cooperation among these nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the retreat provides a crucial platform for discussions on enhancing trade and connectivity among BIMSTEC countries. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need to inject new vigor, resources, and commitment into cooperation among nations in the Bay of Bengal region.
Addressing the visiting foreign ministers, Jaishankar stressed the importance of finding collective solutions amidst global and regional developments. He underscored goals like capacity building and economic cooperation, emphasizing the harmonious and complementary nature of BIMSTEC’s membership.
India’s focus on BIMSTEC comes in light of its efforts to invigorate regional cooperation, especially since initiatives under SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) have faced challenges. Apart from India, BIMSTEC comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the retreat as an informal setting for BIMSTEC foreign ministers to explore opportunities for collaboration across various sectors. These include security, connectivity, trade, investment, and people-to-people contacts within the Bay of Bengal region and its coastal areas.
The first edition of the BIMSTEC foreign ministers’ retreat took place in Bangkok last year, setting the stage for deeper engagements. This year, the sixth BIMSTEC summit is scheduled in Thailand, where an agreement on maritime transport cooperation is expected to be finalized. This agreement aims to enhance trade activities among member states through improved maritime connectivity.
The ongoing retreat in Delhi signifies India’s commitment to fostering stronger ties and cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework. With discussions focused on practical cooperation across various domains, the retreat aims to pave the way for tangible outcomes that benefit all member countries in the Bay of Bengal region.
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